Oven Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine with this oven-baked Tandoori Chicken recipe, inspired by Cook's Illustrated (Feb 2009). Marinated in a creamy yogurt mixture infused with aromatic spices, this chicken is then roasted to juicy perfection and finished under the broiler for a gorgeous char. Serve with fluffy basmati rice and your favorite chutneys for a truly unforgettable meal! Easily adaptable for both full-fat and low-fat yogurt.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 841 kcal
Protein 170g
Rating 3.0 (1 Reviews)
Oven Tandoori Chicken 43

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Oven Tandoori Chicken

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How to Make Oven Tandoori Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 inch grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 2 teaspoons garam masala (or substitute: 2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
  4. Sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
  5. Transfer half of the spice mixture to a bowl. Add 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat), and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Mix well. (Add a few drops of red food coloring for a more traditional color).
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining spice mixture with 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon salt.
  7. Lightly score the skin side of the chicken pieces with a sharp knife, making 2-3 cuts about 1 inch apart and 1/8 inch deep.
  8. Place the chicken in the bowl with the remaining spice mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  9. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place oven rack in the upper-middle position.
  11. Pour the reserved yogurt mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly and thickly.
  12. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  13. Arrange the chicken pieces on the wire rack, scored side down.
  14. Discard any remaining yogurt mixture.
  15. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the breasts reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) and the legs and thighs reach 130°F (54°C). Smaller pieces may cook faster; remove them as they are done.
  16. Once all pieces are cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and increase the oven temperature to broil.
  17. Preheat the broiler for 10 minutes.
  18. Just before broiling, turn the chicken pieces scored-side up.
  19. Broil for 8-15 minutes, or until lightly charred in spots and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 175°F (79°C) for legs and thighs.
  20. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  21. Serve immediately with lime wedges and your favorite chutneys.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

60 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

68g

Carbs

3g

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